More than 200 people were at the station Wednesday, Aug. 14 to witness the uncoupling of two fire hoses stretched between a Blanco fire truck and ambulance.

Mike Rieken, ESD No. 2 commissioner and project manager, welcomed attendees and introduced Board President Ann Hall, and fellow commissioners Elaine Cross, Lynn McKirdy and Carl Struck.

Greg Hinton opened the dedication ceremony with a blessing of the building and for first responders.

Rieken provided a background of the project that he noted was in the planning for 20 years. He explained that the building committee and chiefs visited many area stations to look for best practices in design and operation. He recognized Architect Lorraine Daley and the head contractor for their contributions and dedication to the project.

EMS Chief Ben Oakley and Fire Chief Matt McMain introduced members of their departments.

Chief McMain thanked taxpayers for the facility.

Chief Oakley told attendees there wasn’t a detail that hadn’t been considered.

“We love what we do, and we would do it regardless,” he said, “but this makes our job even easier.”

Blanco County Judge Brett Bray praised the ESD No. 2 for its foresight in planning the new station.

“Growth is upon us and it’s not going away,” he said. “Too often government plays catchup. But this station will serve the citizens in ESD No. 2 for years.”

Mayor Martha Herden also noted the years spent planning the station and expressed her thanks on behalf of citizens for the services and excellent care provided by the ESD.

ESD No. 2 Board President Ann Hall provided history of the formation of the ESD No. 2, which was voted into existence in 1999. She recognized the current commissioners for their work along with all the previous commissioners who served.

Hall said that the station should be dedicated to three groups.

“Citizens: you own this station,” she said. “Citizens paid for it with property taxes and it will serve you for years. We also dedicate this station to the victims of fires, illness, injury and accidents who wait for help to roll out of this station. And this station is for the first responders, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics who volunteer or make their living working here caring for those suffering from accidents, illness or property loss. My hope is that they professionally care for you in your time of need and that your tax dollars and donations continue to care for the Emergency Services in ESD No. 2.”

Caroline Richardson, president of the Fire and EMS Auxiliary, recognized fellow board members Connie Granberg, Theresa Turner, Linda Whitlow and Marilyn Warmus.

She noted that the role of the Auxiliary is to raise funds for operations that run $100,000 short of funding from property taxes. She invited community members to a community meeting Aug. 27 to help plan fundraising activities for the coming year.

Mary Sward and other members of the Blanco Quilters’ Guild presented the station with a themed quilt to commemorate the station dedication.

After the ceremonial uncoupling of the fire hoses, Hall introduced Dixie Posey Lenz of Blanco who, along with her sisters Rita Posey Steitle of Burnet and Christie Posey Pratt of May Esther, Fla., donated a flagpole and flag for the station in honor of their father Aaron Posey.

Lenz, a former principal, talked about her father’s support of Blanco’s fire and emergency services.

“My dad served as chief of the Blanco Volunteer Fire department for more than a decade,” Lenz said. “The volunteer fire department was part of our hearts. “

She described the special fire department phone in the house, and when it rang, she said they knew to get out of the way as their dad flew out of the house to the emergency.

“It’s an honor that the EMS, fire department and administration allowed us to donate this flagpole to the station in our dad’s honor,” Lenz said. “As you drive by and see the flag waving, say a prayer for the people who are here and the people who are being rescued.”

Attendees moved outside to the northeast corner of the station. Colonel Jack Twilley, former Blanco Volunteer Fire Department president, led the flag-raising ceremony with assistance from ESD No. 2 Commissioner Carl Struck and his wife Liza.

Fire and EMS staff led station tours and attendees enjoyed refreshments provided by the Fire and EMS Auxiliary.